Life transformed after being homeless

A FORMER serviceman has turned his life around thanks to a Wearside charity.

Nathan Watson, 29, of Hudson Road, Hendon, spent three years homeless on the streets of Durham after failing to find employment having being discharged from the Army on medical grounds.

Frank Baron from Our Heroes matter with Nathan Watson.

It was not until a stranger pointed him in the direction of Our Heroes Matter that he found help.

Within hours of making contact with the charity Nathan had been picked up and re-homed.

“It was a horrible time,” said Nathan. “When I was homeless I could never have seen myself in the situation I am in now. I’ve put on four-and-a-half stone, my appearance has completely changed. I was a mess.

“I’ve had continual support from last year until now. My life has changed this year. I’ve gone from being homeless and having nothing, to having a house, continual support and a girlfriend. Everything has fallen into place.’’

With the help of the charity, Nathan is preparing to open up his own tattoo studio Buzzin Gunz in Borough Road, Sunderland, next month.

Frank Baron, from Our Heroes Matter, said: “We now feel that Nathan is capable of standing on his own to feet but we are still here if he needs us.”

The charity, based in Villiers Street, in Sunderland, aims to provide housing and employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and women.

“We know from our experience with Nathan what we can do and how far we can go, but we need these lads to come forward,” added Frank.

If you or someone you know needs help call Our Heroes Matter on 510 8875.